For his actions, Pobjecky received several commendations, including the 2011 Congressional Badge of Bravery; the Medal of Honor, Illinois’ highest law enforcement award presented annually to police officers who risk their lives above and beyond the call of duty; and he was named the Illinois Sheriff’s Association Deputy of the Year.

Pobjecky said he is also up for an equally challenging task: lowering the county’s crime rate.

“My passion for service to county and community along with family experience motivate me to make the most of this moment in time. Like many other families in the region, I have personally experienced violent crimes. I understand how crime hurts a community and its people.”

Pobjecky, 31, is a member of the Sheriff’s Department SWAT team and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served two tours of duty in Iraq before joining the Sheriff’s Department.

The Republican is the latest in a growing field of candidates to seek the office of the county’s top cop. The others include former Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Bob Springer; retired Rockford police detective Bob Redmond; Winnebago County Forest Preserve District Commissioner Randy Olson, all Democrats; and Republican candidate Gary Caruana, a former Winnebago County sheriff’s deputy and retired security manager for United Parcel Service.

The field of five will be trimmed to two after the March 18 primary election.

Sheriff Dick Meyers opened the door to a crowded field of candidates when he announced in September that he would not seek re-election when his term expires on Dec. 1, 2014. Meyers, 67, will have served 47 years in law enforcement when he retires and will be the longest-serving sheriff in Winnebago County history with 17 years.